President Radev met with ambassadors of EU member states

The big challenge for the European Union today is to show that it can effectively resolve internal crises and those at its border, President Rumen Radev said on October 12 at a working meeting with the heads of the diplomatic missions of the EU member states in Bulgaria. A number of topics from the European and international agenda were discussed. The President stressed that in the midst of numerous crises, as well as several military conflicts in neighbouring countries of the United Europe, the citizens expect concrete solutions that will also strengthen their confidence in the Union's capacity, the Head of State's press secretariat said.

In the context of striving for strategic autonomy, the EU should be reformed so that it can react and take timely decisions in crisis conditions, but at the same time convince the citizens of the Union that it has the power and the ability to solve problems effectively, Rumen Radev said. The Head of State noted that the inability to find a quick solution to the energy crisis has led to significantly higher electricity prices and the EU's loss of competitiveness against other global factors. The failure of the United Europe to offer workable solutions to stop the war in Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace, along with the consequent significant economic and social burdens on member states, is among the reasons for social tensions and the rise of populist forces whose actions and agendas are destroying the foundations on which the EU itself is built - solidarity, unity, human rights.

The President identified Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine as a key factor threatening international peace and security, especially for the countries that are in close proximity to the hostilities. Rumen Radev also stressed that along with providing support to Ukraine, in line with the capabilities of the member states, the EU should not remain indifferent to the escalation and expansion of the scope of military actions, including in the Black Sea area.

The President identified Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine as a key factor threatening international peace and security, especially for the countries that are in close proximity to the hostilities. Rumen Radev also stressed that along with providing support to Ukraine, in line with the capabilities of the member states, the EU should not remain indifferent to the escalation and expansion of the scope of military actions, including in the Black Sea area.

The Head of State recalled that besides the security risks, the war in Europe is severely affecting the economies and social systems of the EU member states themselves, which are also paying its price - 19 months after it started, it is still not known when and how it will end, and there is not even any talk about the role of diplomacy in stopping it. It is therefore in the interests of the whole of Europe that hostilities should cease immediately and that approaches should be sought to achieving a sustainable and just peace on the basis of internationally established principles by means of diplomacy. In this process, it is the EU that can and must play a leading role, because the price of the security deficit is the sustainability of economic development, social stability and the well-being of European citizens.

Increasing connectivity in Europe is key to achieving energy diversification and building new supply lines that will strengthen the capacity and economic opportunities of EU member states, Rumen Radev further said. The President highlighted the creation of conditions for the reduction of energy prices as a primary task for preserving the competitiveness and stability of United Europe.

The Head of State defined the EU enlargement process as the most effective measure to strengthen the security, stability and development of our region. In order to achieve success, Rumen Radev called on the EU member states to continue to provide the necessary support to the Western Balkan countries so that they carry out the necessary reforms and fulfil the commitments they have made in order to meet the Copenhagen membership criteria.

The President also stressed that the EU enlargement process should not leave the enlargement of the Schengen area in the background, as it is a means of strengthening security, economic stability and free movement within the European Union itself.